The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, commending his outstanding leadership and visible impact on customs operations across the country.
In a statement made available to newsmen, APFFLON described CG Adewale as a visionary leader whose tenure has been marked by significant strides in trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. The association lauded his open-door policy, his willingness to listen to the concerns of industry players, and his tireless efforts to reposition the Nigeria Customs Service for improved service delivery.
APFFLON, while celebrating CG Adewale’s achievements, also made a passionate appeal to him to consider extending the validity period of freight forwarders’ licenses from the current one-year tenure to a minimum of two years.
The association noted that such a move would not only ease the operational burden on freight forwarders but would also stand as a remarkable legacy of CG Adewale’s administration.
The group emphasized that extending the license validity would be a timely and memorable gesture, especially as the CG approaches his two-year milestone in office, suggesting that it would be fitting to mark this with a policy that directly benefits freight forwarders and the wider trade community.
The association argued that the current annual renewal system imposes unnecessary administrative pressures on freight forwarders, often diverting attention from their core responsibilities and disrupting business flow.
By contrast, a two-year license tenure would allow operators to focus on growing their businesses, improving service delivery, and enhancing their overall contribution to the logistics chain.
APFFLON further stressed that extending the license validity would encourage greater compliance among freight forwarders, as the stability provided by the longer tenure would inspire them to uphold regulatory standards and professional ethics. The group added that such a policy would also attract more investment into the freight forwarding sector, as businesses would enjoy improved planning cycles and operational security without the constant pressure of annual license renewal processes.
The association maintained that a two-year license would not only streamline operations but would also contribute to the growth and development of the freight forwarding industry, with positive ripple effects on Nigeria’s trade and economic landscape.
APFFLON stated that CG Adewale, who has already recorded several milestones in office, would be fondly remembered for implementing a policy that directly addressed a long-standing concern within the industry. According to the association, this singular act would further cement his reputation as a listening, progressive, and responsive leader who placed the needs of key stakeholders at the heart of his reforms.
The association expressed confidence that CG Adewale would consider their appeal in good faith and work towards making the two-year license tenure a reality as part of his continuous efforts to reposition the Nigeria Customs Service.
APFFLON once again congratulated the Comptroller-General for his sterling leadership, his commitment to modernizing customs processes, and his efforts towards building a more efficient and transparent customs system. The association assured the CG of its continuous support and collaboration in the collective drive to strengthen the freight forwarding profession and promote seamless trade facilitation in Nigeria.
